190e rust

[k langdon]

Hi,

I'm looking to buy a 190e as a second car for my wife.

We've seen one advertised, it's an L reg but it has some rust spots/marks on the rear driver's wheelarch.

Looking at previous threads, the jacking points are a rust weak point, but I don't know about the wheelarches.

My question is does this indicate some accident damage that's been poorly repaired or is this also a know weakspot?

I'm slighlty surprised one of the last models of this type is already showing signs of rust.

Looking at the car later today, so any early replies would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Kevin

 

[k langdon]

Looked at the car today.

Not quite sure what to do for the best.

The rust spots are around the rear wheelarch (about 5 in total) and another small area on the boot (from a knock).

The bodywork's average - a few dings and dents, etc Alloys are a bit scuffed/kerbed. Tyres are good but all different makes - spare needs replacing.

The interior's good with no wear on the driver's seat, etc The electric windows, sunroof and aerial all work, but the passenger door mirror is a little slow to position itself

It's an L reg 1.8 limited edition model with 149k on the clock. It has FMBSH up to 132k and then 2 services with a local garage.

MOT until Jan 2007, but no tax.

The car drives OK, gears change smoothly and quickly and the take up from D to R is quick if a little clonky ( but then all the Merc's I've owned have clonked a bit like this). On turning the car lock to lock I couldn't detect any noises or clonks, etc

The area of most concern is by the door pillar on the driver's side. When you open the door, the bottom of the pillar on the main frame of the car is rusting quite badly. I've never seen it in this area before. The owner, who's wife drove it before they divorced, says he isn't aware of the vehicle being involved in any accidents.

Now my dilemma is the owner's indicated he'll accept £500 for the car which I think is cheap. But alarm bells are ringing as to why it's this price. I know the bodywork needs money spending on it and the car looks as though it's been neglected a bit. But is this rust indictating something a lot more serious and could I end up buying a whole pile of trouble??

Can anyone help? What do you think?

Is the rust in the area's I've mentioned common to 190e's or not?

The car is for my wife to ferry the kids about, etc. She's not too bothered that it's not immaculate. But obviously I'm concerned on safety grounds, as well as potential cost implications.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Kevin

 

[k langdon]

Update for info.

Had my nagging doubts realised.

Decided to run an HPI check before buying - turns out the car was a Category C insurance write off in 2001.

The rust on the inside on the main frame by the driver's door opening just didn't ring true. It looks as though whoever repaired it - their not so handywork is now coming through!

£10 well spent me thinks!!

 

[glojo]

Update for info.

Had my nagging doubts realised.

Decided to run an HPI check before buying - turns out the car was a Category C insurance write off in 2001.

The rust on the inside on the main frame by the driver's door opening just didn't ring true. It looks as though whoever repaired it - their not so handywork is now coming through!

£10 well spent me thinks!!

Saves me posting saying to keep looking.

Good luck
John

 

[grober]

Well spotted.

Well done on picking up the rust at the pillar. You were right , its not usually a rust point. Both front and rear wings are prone to rust if not looked after. Hence the dreaded chrome wheel arch embellishers. Mud tends to build up behind the rolled rim of the arch. Cosmetic but difficult to elliminate. At the rear provided the wheel arch/boot isnt affected its livable with. Again the cheap price would set the alarm bells ringing.

 

[bolide]

Instinct

Proof, if any were needed, that instinct is normally correct on these things!

I've seen lots of 190s advertised recently and there are some very striking cars around. They share a lot of bits with the W124 - no bad thing and also no problems with spares availability

A nice Cosworth would hold its value well...

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk